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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffDoctors aren't certain how the H. pylori bacterium is spread, so there's no proven way to prevent H. pylori infection.
Preventing H. pylori complications
In areas of the world where H. pylori infection and its complications, such as stomach cancer, are common, doctors sometimes test healthy people for H. pylori. For instance, stomach cancer is much more common in Asian countries than in the United States. Some doctors argue that treating high-risk people for H. pylori before it causes complications may help prevent serious diseases, such as stomach cancer.
Whether there is a benefit to treating H. pylori when you have no signs or symptoms of infection is controversial among doctors.
If you're concerned about H. pylori infection or think you may have a high risk of stomach cancer, talk to your doctor. Together you can decide whether you may benefit from H. pylori screening.
- Graham DY, et al. Helicobacter pylori. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/134273666-3/0/1389/0.html. Accessed April 28, 2009.
- Fuccio L, et al. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. BMJ. 2008;337:746.
- H. pylori and peptic ulcer. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/index.htm. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Talley NJ, et al. Gastric cancer consensus conference recommends Helicobacter pylori screening and treatment in asymptomatic persons from high-risk populations to prevent gastric cancer. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;103:510.
